Career Advice

9 Reasons to Get a Job between Year 12 and 13

Who doesn’t love the summer holidays?

by
Eleanor Barraclough

Last Updated:

31 Jul 2015

First Published:

30 Jul 2015

The long 6 week break allows us to escape the world of revision, homework, and stress. But is sitting at home watching day-time television really the most productive way to spend your new found freedom? For me it’s not. I would much rather go out and get a job, giving me motivation to wake up in the morning. I’m not talking Monday to Friday 9 to 5, but honestly there is no harm in a bit of part-time work.

Here are my top 9 reasons why finding a job is so important:

1) Money

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There’s no better feeling than earning your own money. The money you earn at work can mean you make your days off ones to remember, whether it be days out with your friends or a short break with the family, you can be certain the money won’t go to waste.

2) Meeting New People

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Not all jobs are boring! The chance to meet new people and make lasting friendships is something that appeals to everyone. After all, you will always find someone with similar interests to you, even when you least expect it.

3) Develop Skills

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Communication, team work and trustworthiness are all skills written on 9/10 personal statements and CVs. But what use are they with no reliable evidence to back them up? Getting a job (even just part-time) can demonstrate relevant skills, making you stand out from the crowd.

4) Fill Your Time Productively

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Waking up every day at 3 in the afternoon is not productive (whatever the reason!). A job gives you motivation to wake up in the morning, keeping routine in your life making the transition into year 13 easier in September.

5) Responsibility

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A job means responsibility. You’ve got to arrive on time, dress correctly and adopt the right attitude. There’s no point turning up without a care in the world expecting other people to spoon feed you information.

6) Confidence

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Nowadays confidence is a big factor in everyday life. You’ve got to be able to socialise properly without making the customer (or anybody) feel uncomfortable. A part time job, especially one interacting with customers enables you to practice this skill, which will always come in handy.

7) Contacts

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A job enables you to meet hundreds of new people. This could be hugely beneficial in the future as contacts made can help you achieve the job of your dreams. After all, networking is all about the future.

8) Experience

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For students, getting the first job is always the hardest. The lack of experience is something that doesn’t appeal to employers, however it is possible. I didn’t have experience but I managed to get one and trust me the experience gained from just one job is phenomenal and something that can be expanded on.

9) CVs/ Personal Statements

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Universities and future employers are always looking for well rounded people with a range of skills. Having a part time job shows time management and reliability, immediately making you stand out from the crowd. After all anything that makes you stay in that admissions tutor’s head has got to be a good thing.

All in all, a part time job over the summer can only be a good thing. It allows you to combine the world of work with your well deserved rest period. It keeps your brain ticking over meaning less of a shock in September (you will thank me). And now more than ever, so you can write all about it on your personal statement come uni application deadlines.